Tottenham Hotspur needed the international break after failing to win any of their last three Premier League games. Spurs advanced to the quarter-final of the Europa League via a victory over AZ Alkmaar but remain in 14th place on the league log after the 2-0 loss to Fulham.
Tottenham plan to bounce back with a win over Chelsea, but that is easier said than done. The Blues may be atrocious against other big six clubs, but they always find a way past Spurs.
Tottenham will be determined to change the narrative when they travel to Stamford Bridge on April 3. They need all hands on deck to collect three points from Enzo Maresca’s side.
Consequently, the North London club is sweating over Lucas Bergvall. The 19-year-old was called to the Swedish national team but did not play on Saturday as they lost to Luxembourg.
Tottenham will be sweating on Bergvall’s fitness before the crucial showdown next Thursday.
Bergvall has been an important player for Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou. Former Tottenham star and the first Swedish player to pull on a Spurs shirt, Erik Edman, branded him an intelligent footballer.
He is a Swiss army knife in midfield, and his energy will be needed when Spurs head to Stamford Bridge.
Bergvall return could be good news for Tottenham – View
While Tottenham fans may worry about Bergvall, this setback could be a blessing in disguise. The youngster has been thrown into the deep end in his debut season, playing more games than expected.
A brief rest – forced or not – could recharge his legs ahead of the run-in. Unlike an injury, illness is temporary, meaning he should be ready to go next week.
If anything, this enforced break might help Bergvall return even sharper. With a refreshed midfield dynamo, Spurs can head to Stamford Bridge with renewed energy, ready to finally break their Chelsea curse.